Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical, Part 32

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed. cn
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, F. A. Battey & co.
Number of Pages: 814

USA > Indiana > Brown County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 32
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 32
USA > Indiana > Morgan County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 32

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

and retired to Morgantown. He began business when of age; was al- ways successful and industrious, and when young worked at wagon-mak- ing, coopering and blacksmithing, when not employed on his farm. He has also dealt largely in and been a shipper of stock. May 14, 1845, he married Miss Mary A. Woolard, who died August 6, 1877, having borne seven children-Eliza J., Jacob (deceased), Lavica, Maranda H., Ophelia, Margaret (deceased) and Marion. His second wife was Miss Ada Wright, a graduate of Lebanon College,Ohio, the ceremony taking place December 24, 1881. This lady died in less than one year. His third wife is Re- becca Stephens, a native of Putnam County, Ind., and also a graduate of Lebanon College, which ceremony was performed May 17, 1883. Mr. Coleman is an active member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraterni- ties. He is a liberal and respected gentleman, and votes with the Dem- ocratic party.

JAMES S. COLEMAN (deceased), was born in Hartford, Conn., No- vember 29, 1848, and was the third of the four children of Jesse O. and Salina M. (Gardner) Coleman, both natives of Connecticut, who moved to Columbus, Ind., in 1850, and thence to Edinburg. James S. received a good school education, and early evinced an aptitude for business, for when but twelve years old he bought and sold tax titles on speculation, and when thirteen assisted his father in his store. In 1863, he enlisted in Compary I, Ninety-third Indiana Volunteers, and served through the war, being discharged November 29, 1865. In the following spring, he entered into partnership with his father in the stove, tin and hardware business. In 1872, he purchased his father's interest, and after- ward he sustained several heavy losses, but soon resumed. He was also owner of a saw and planing mill, and was one of the most enter- prising and successful men of his time. May 10, 1870, he married Miss Harriet Lake, with an issue of five children-Jesse, deceased; James O., born June 15, 1874; Cora E., born September 8, 1877; Walter Z., born October 8, 1879; and Cecil C., born July 5, 1882. Mrs. Coleman was born March 17, 1851. Mr. Coleman died January 9, 1883. He was an earnest member of the order of Odd Fellows, an active laborer for the Republican party, and a lamented citizen. Mr. Coleman left his family in comfortable circumstances, with several farms and a good town prop- erty.

ROBERT C. DAVIS, merchant at Mahalasville, was born December 18, 1833, in Hancock County, W. Va., and is the eldest of the family of Enoch and Nancy (Cunningham) Davis, natives of West Virginia, and respectively of Welsh and Irish descent. Robert, in company with his parents, moved to Washington County, Penn., where he attended the high school and acquired a good education. He early showed a tact for business, and when seventeen engaged as traveling salesman, which he followed some years, and then peddled on his own account. In 1862, he and parents moved to Georgetown, Brown County, where he continued in business until 1877; during this trip he lost his goods by the sinking of the boat transporting them. January 1, 1856, he married Miss Louisa H. Ritchey, of Ohio, with the following issue: John C., William W. and James W. (twins), Ella M., Eva E., Nancy J., Robert, Charley C., Edgar and Lela. While in Ohio, Mr. Davis served two terms as Trustee. He is Postmaster, railroad agent and express agent; carries a large stock of goods, and is an upright and efficient business man. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Knights of Honor. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Presbyterian Church.

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DAVID S. DODSON, blacksmith and wagon-maker at Mahalasville, is a native of Hardin County, Ky .; was born August 2, 1834, and is a son of John B. and Catharine (Ament) Dodson, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of Holland, and of English and German extraction respectively. The subject of this sketch received a good common school education; was reared a farmer, and remained with his parents until his twenty-fifth year, at which age he commenced learning his trade, which he has since almost constantly followed, besides having served nearly four years in the regular army. In the fall of 1862, he began business for himself at his present location. The spring of 1868, he married Miss Sarah E. Helton, a native of Morgan County, Ind., who died after hav- ing borne one child -- Judiah K. (deceased). Mrs. Dodson was a member of the M. P. Church. Mr. Dodson is a member of the Masonic frater- nity, the I. O. O. F. and the United Order of Honor. He is an enthu- siastic Democrat, by which party he was elected Justice of the Peace in 1878, and again in the spring of 1882.

CAPT. PETER FESLER, Justice of the Peace and cabinet-maker at Morgantown, is a native of Botetourt County, Va., was born April 27, 1836, and is the third of the family of John and Rebecca (Bickner) Fes- ler, natives of Virginia and of German extraction, who came to this county in 1838, and remained until their deaths. Peter Fesler received a plain education, worked on the farm, and when eighteen years old settled to learn carpentering, which he afterward followed. April, 1861, he enlisted for three months in Company K, Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry; was in the first engagement of the war at Philippi, Va. After this term he re-enlisted in Company G, Twenty-seventh Indiana Volun- teer Infantry; was made First Lieutenant and afterward Captain; served three years, and was in all the battles of the Potomac division. After his service expired, he was retained and given command of Company E, Seventieth Indiana Regiment, and so served until the end, being dis- charged at Washington, D. C. On returning to peace, he resumed his trade, and in 1880 began business for himself. December 31, 1869, he married Miss Emma Collett, of Johnson County, Ind., to which union have followed three children-Leo K., Mayo R. and Luna A. Mr. Fes. ler is an ardent Republican, and was made Justice of the Peace in 1882. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM THOMAS GIBSON, merchant at Morgantown, was born March 8, 1862, in Greene County, Tenn., and is the second of the nine children of Charles and Sarah E. (Kelton) Gibson, the former a native of Tennessee, the latter of Virginia, and both of English descent, who first moved to Franklin, Ind .; remained two years, and then to Nashville, Ind., where they now reside. William Thomas remained at home until he was twenty years of age, at which period he came to Morgantown and engaged in his present enterprise, first as a grocery trade, to which he has added dry goods and notions, of which he has always a full line and carries a $3,000 stock. He has a good practical education and is a first-class business man, having begun business with $10 cash capital. September 21, 1881, he married Miss Amanda, daughter of Col. W. S. Adams (deceased), a long resident of Morgantown. Mr. Gibson is a member of the Masonic fraternity; inclined to the Republican party po- litically, and is a promising young merchant. Mrs. Gibson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

REUBEN C. GRIFFITT, M. D., physician and surgeon at Morgan- town, was born December 28, 1845, in the identical dwelling in which

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he now resides, and is the thirteenth of the fourteen children of Reuben and Lovina (Shell) Griffitt, natives of Sullivan County, E. Tenn. They were early settlers of this township, and here ended their days. Reuben C. Griffitt was reared in Morgantown, and went to school and worked on the farm until he was eighteen years of age. February, 1864, he became a soldier of his country; was in the range of battles from Chattanooga to Atlanta; captured at Jonesboro, September 1, 1864; confined at Ander- sonville, Florence and Charleston, in all six months, and released February 26, 1865. On account of disability, he received a furlough, which was renewed until his discharge, June, 1865. He then attended school until 1868, when he studied medicine under Dr. Johnson, of Martinsville, for two years, and attended lectures and graduated at the University of Louisville in 1870, soon after which he opened an office at Morgantown; practiced until 1875; then attended lectures in New York, receiving there the ad eundem degree. He then resumed his practice, with honor and renown. August 14, 1872, he married Miss Minerva D. Prosser (sister of the present Auditor), and his union has been favored with three children -Harry D., Bessie L. and Della M. Dr. Griffitt is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JAMES HAMILTON, stock-raiser and farmer, is a native of Wayne County, Ky., was born January 13, 1815, and is the fourth of the eleven children of John and Elender (Collett) Hamilton, the former a native of North Carolina, the latter of South Carolina, and of Scotch-Irish and English extraction, who came to and settled in this township in 1825. John Hamilton was a pioneer, and made the third entry of land. He, with the assistance of his family, improved a good farm from these prim- itive wilds, and here closed his useful life. James received a frontier education, and was reared to assist his father, with whom he remained until his twenty-second year; then receiving from his sire the sum of $50, with which to begin his own sustaining; and with this he entered forty acres, which has grown to be 200 of choice and valuable land, well improved-all the outcome of labor and frugality. October 20, 1836, he wedded Miss Teresa Dorothy, of Kentucky birth, and this marriage was cemented by five children-Elender, Lucinda, William R., Jesse (deceased) and Louisa (deceased). Mr. Hamilton is a stanch Repub- lican; a liberal and benevolent gentleman, now rearing the three children of his youngest daughter. He and wife are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.

JOHN F. HAMILTON, farmer and stock-raiser, was born April 12, 1833, in this county, and is the fourth of the seven children of James H. and Hannah (Francis) Hamilton, natives of Kentucky, and respect- ively of Irish and German descent. James H. Hamilton moved to John- son County, Ird., in 1829, remained two years, then moved to this town- ship, where he died. He was one of the first settlers and, with the aid of his son John, made one of the best farms in the township. John F.

Hamilton was bred a farmer, and afforded such education as the schools could give. After the death of his father, which took place in the win- ter of 1861, he took charge of the farm and remained with his mother until her death in 1881. He then purchased the homestead, containing 120 acres, to which he added forty, and has now a good farm, with many and valuable improvements. January 28, 1864, he married Miss Matilda Ferguson, born October 8, 1841, by which union they have become par- ents of nine children-Lucy A., William F. (deceased), Mary B., Al-

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

mira M., James E., Ira W., Minnie, John E. and Clarence R. Mr. Hamilton is an able manager of his affairs and a prosperous, liberal gen- tleman. He and his wife are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ABRAM B. HART, stock-raiser and farmer, is a native of this township; was born July 13, 1819, in Sussex County, N. J., and is the third of four children born to Nathaniel and Mercy (Rose) Hart, natives of New Jersey, and respectively of English and Irish extraction. Abram was reared a farmer, and in 1841 came to this county, locating where he still resides. With the help of $1,300, he has succeeded in life, and owns a farm of 220 acres, 150 of which are under fine cultivation, with good orchard and many improvements. February 8, 1840, he married Miss Sarah A. Chipps, daughter of Morris and Margaret Chipps, of New Jersey, with a result of nine children-Mercy, Margaret A., Amos S., Mary (deceased), Aaron R. (deceased), Mahala E., John W., Sarah E. and Emma M. Mr. Hart is a practical and prosperous farmer, and a life-long Democrat, having given his first vote for Mr. Van Buren. He is a man of progressive ideas, and a model father and husband, and a very greatly esteemed citizen.

MATTHEW T. HANCOCK, druggist at Morgantown, was born May 1, 1849, in Harrison County, Ind., and is the third of the seven children of Benjamin H. and Margaret A. (Senssensney) Hancock, the former a native of Tennessee and of Irish, the latter of Virginia and of German descent, who now reside in Washington, in this State. Matthew was reared a farmer, and continued to labor as such until he was eighteen years of age, when he engaged as salesman at Bloomfield, and remained in that employment more than two years, afterward at Bowling Green, and then began business on his own account in Lancaster, Owen County, with a stock of drugs, and continued this two years. After disposing of his stock, he became a salesman for Robinson & Co., of Terre Haute, for one year. July, 1880, he came to Morgantown and engaged in his pres- ent enterprise, in which he has been signally successful. Mr. Hancock has always been a diligent student and a close observer. May 3, 1882, he married Miss Effie C. Johnson, of Spencer, a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hancock belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He has the promise of becoming a leading business man of his section, having begun business with but $50, and being now worth probably $5,000.

W. W. HELTON, farmer and stock-raiser, was born October 25, 1807, in East Tennessee, and is the fifth of the eight children of Beecher and Susan (Winkler) Helton, natives of North Carolina, and respectively of English and German extraction. After the death of his father, our sub- ject moved with his mother to Kentucky, where he was reared on a farm. In 1828, he came to this county and entered the land on which he now resides-having once owned 310 acres in the county, and now has 190. For several years he followed the trade of a shoemaker. September 6, 1827, he married Miss Nancy Hale, of Tennessee, with an issue of ten children-James B., Eliza J., Julia A., Harriet L. (deceased), Sarah E. (deceased), Mary C., Nancy (deceased), Miranda (deceased), John W. and Susan C. Mr. Helton is a strong Democrat, having first voted for Gen. Jackson; he also took an active part in the late Grange movement. He is a worthy citizen, and has the blessed record of a well-spent life. He and wife have been members for fifty years of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP AND MORGANTOWN. . 253

JAMES HICKEY, stock-raiser and farmer, is a native of Sullivan County, E. Tenn. ; was born January 5, 1824, and is the eldest of the nine in family of John and Catherine (Shell) Hickey, the former a na- tive of East Tennessee, and of English, the latter of Pennsylvania and of German descent, who emigrated to this township in 1843, and lived and died here. James Hickey received the rudiments of an education from the public schools, in the meantime working on the home farm and assisting his father at the trade of brick-laying. He continued to per- form these duties until he was twenty-four. In 1854, he commenced mercantile business at Morgantown, and was recognized as a successful and leading merchant until his retirement, November 1, 1883. He now resides on a snug and attractive farm of thirty-five acres, cultivated and improved, and still deals largely and only in the purchase and disposi- tion of timber. November 23, 1848, he married Miss Hulda Swain, which union was blessed by five children-George S. (deceased), John H. (deceased), Mary C., Elbert M., and Walter S. (deceased). Mr. Hick- ey is an old- time member of the I. O. O. F., an active Republican since the rebellion and a liberal and benevolent gentleman. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JAMES H. HICKMAN, stock-raiser and farmer, is a native of John- son County, Ind .; was born December 2, 1833, and is the fourth of the six children of James T. and Dorothy (Hamilton) Hickman, natives of Kentucky, and respectively of English and Irish descent, who came to this section of the State in 1832; afterward moved to near Morgantown, where he closed his life. James H. Hickman was reared to the business of farming. He began for himself on reaching manhood, and, although he received but $600 as an aid in the struggle of life, has accumulated 350 acres of fine land, in good cultivation and with many improvements. March 2, 1854, he married Miss Elender Hamilton, of Morgan County, which union has been crowned by six children-Theresa J., deceased; Louisa I .; William H., deceased; Joseph P., James N. and Ira E .; they have also adopted a daughter -- Louisa I. Donnell. Mr. Hick- man is a Republican, and was an active member of the Grange organiza- tion. He is a liberal contributor to every good work, and an esteemed citizen. He and wife are efficient members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN S. HINE, stock-raiser and farmer, was born in Lincoln County, N. C., January 3, 1836, and is the second child of John G. and Mary M. (Bolinger) Hine, both of whom were born in the " Old North State," and of German extraction. Our subject remained at home until he was twenty-eight years old; then began efforts for himself, and, with- out any assistance, has obtained a good home and farm, embracing sixty- seven acres, well situated, drained, stocked, and containing various im- provements. He was reared a farmer, working during summer and going to school during winter. August 27, 1863, he married Miss Marietta A. Prather, born November 10, 1844, in this State. This union gave issue to two children-David L., born February 22, 1866, and Jarvis E., de- ceased, March 30, 1872. Mr. Hine took an earnest part in the late Grange organization, and is an active Democrat, having given his first suffrage for Stephen A. Douglas. He is a genial, generous, enlightened and progressive citizen, also an advocate of public education. In 1882, he was elected Road Superintendent. Mr. and Mrs. Hine are communi- cants of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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OLIVER L. HINE, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of this county, was born November 22, 1846, and is the sixth of eleven children born to John G. and Mary M. (Bolinger) Hine, both natives of North Carolina, who came hither about 1837, at which early period the country was a wild, but of which they have made a desirable home and valuable property, comprising 302 acres well situated and improved, with full amount of stock. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Oliver L. Hine is now managing his father's farm. He is a promising and energetic gentleman, a stanch Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F. Like his father, he is liberal in character and progressive in ideas, and is a useful and appreciated member of society.

HARRY JACKSON was born May 29, 1843, in Jefferson County, Ind., and is the fifth of the eight children of Samuel and Jane (Hillis) Jackson, the former a native of North Carolina, the latter of Indiana. Harry remained with his parents on the farm until he was sixteen years of age, when he began the struggle of life for himself, working by the month until August 12, 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, Seventieth Indiana Voluntary Infantry, serving in the battles of Dallas, Resaca, Marietta, Savannah, New Hope Church, Atlanta, Peach Tree Creek and Bentonville, where he was captured and sent to Libby Prison, being made to march 170 miles, and with but one meal in three days. He was held captive from February, 1864, until the day before Mr. Lincoln's assassination, and was discharged June 30, 1865. After his return, he purchased a farm in Johnson County, and September 26, 1867, married Miss Ollie F. Miller, who died, leaving four children-Rosa, Guy, Roy and Eddie; she was a member of the Christian Church. His second wife was Miss Sarah A. Lake, whom he married February 27, 1880. Until the fall of that year, Mr. Jackson followed farming and buying and sell- ing stock, but afterward came to Morgantown and engaged in the keeping of a bakery and butcher shop. Mr. Jackson is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

GEORGE W. KEMP, farmer and stock-raiser, was born December 9, 1849, in this county, and is the sixth of the nine children of James and Christina (McGowan) Kemp, natives of Kentucky, and respectively of English and German extraction. James Kemp was a son of John and Nancy Kemp, of North Carolina. He came to this county in 1826, where our subject was educated to farm work, grew to manhood, and has ever remained. He continued at home until he was twenty-three years of age, when he began business for himself, with no capital but a bold heart and a strong will. February 14, 1872, he married Mrs. Caroline (Norman) Hamilton, of this county, born March 3, 1844. This marriage was honored by three children-Rebecca J., Andrew J. and Sarah E. Mr. Kemp has been reasonably successful in his efforts for independence. He has a farm of 165 acres, well located, cultivated and improved. He is an ardent Democrat, and socially an honorable and benevolent gentle- man. Mrs. Kemp is a member of the Separate Baptist Church.

SAMUEL KEMP, farmer and stock-raiser, was born February 6, 1842, in this county, and is the eighth of the nine children of Samuel and Tabitha (Hicks) Kemp, both natives of Tennessee, and of English extraction. The subject of this sketch received a fair education, and was reared to the plow by his father, who located in this township about 1840, and where he died, having acquired 200 acres, which he sold to his son Samuel, who now cultivates 150 acres thereof. February 9, 1865,

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he married Miss Nancy J. Kent, a native of this county, which union has been cemented by four children-George (born November 29, 1865), Lewis (born May 23, 1868), David (born September 13, 1870), and Corda E. (born June 26, 1874). Mr. Kemp takes proper pride in bestowing education on his children, and is liberal and progressive in his character. He is a shrewd manager and a careful investigator, a good business man and a respected citizen. In political matters, Mr. Kemp is a solid Dem- ocrat.

JAMES KEPHART, stock-raiser and farmer, was born in Henry County, Ky., July 17, 1823, and is the second of the family of William and Elizabeth (Herrel) Kephart, also natives of Kentucky, and of German and English extraction respectively. James was brought to Clark County, Ind., by his parents in 1824, where they lived two years; then removed to Johnson County and remained thirteen years, after which they came to this county, where James received some education and was taught farm- ing. March 26, 1846, he married Miss Mary A. Moore, of Kentucky, who died a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the mother of eight children-Serilda, Robert M., John W., Christina, Clar- inda, Mahala (deceased) and two infants (deceased). Mr. Kephart re- ceived no assistance in his early struggles for home and land, but has now 160 acres, favorably located and well improved and cultivated, with many improvements. He is a stalwart Democrat, a good business man- ager and a respected citizen. His son is now managing his farm mechan- ically and he overseeing.

ISAAC KNIGHT, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Nansemond County, Va., October 16, 1830, and is the sixth of the eighteen children of Levin and Emily (Ellis) Knight, both natives of Virginia, and respect- ively of English and German extraction, who emigrated to Monroe County, Ind., in 1832, remained seven years, thence moved to Brown County for twelve years, and thence to Iowa. Isaac Knight was reared a farmer, with the rudiments of an education. In 1852, he came to Mor- gan County and settled in the village of Cope, where he engaged in busi- ness for two years, and afterward took up farming. He has been very suc- cessful in his efforts, being the owner of 120 acres of good and improved land, together with eight residences, a brick block and a public hall- these the result of his ability and energy, he having received but $2,500 from his father-in-law's estate. May 14, 1854, he married Miss Emily Briant, which union has been favored with nine children, eight having lived to receive names-Benjamin, John W., William B., Annie M., Nettie, Alonzo, Clarence and Lulie. Mr. Knight is a member of the Masonic fraternity and an active Republican; he cast his first vote for Henry Clay. Mr. and Mrs. Knight are members of the Christian Church, having been such since they were seventeen years of age.

JOHN W. KNIGHT, school teacher and merchant at Morgantown, was born February 11, 1857, in this county, and is the second of the nine children of Isaac and Emily (Briant) Knight, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of this county. Our subject was reared a farmer, and obtained a good education, having been a one-year student of Butler University. He remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age, when he began life for himself as a teacher, and as which he has been remarkably successful. September 1, 1883, he purchased the grocery stock of Abraham Wootten, and has since managed the business satisfac- torily, having a salesman to attend to his store while engaged in teaching.

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Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical, Part 32

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed. cn Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago, F. A. Battey & co. Number of Pages: 814

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed. cn
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, F. A. Battey & co.
Number of Pages: 814